Urooj Mumtaz powers Pakistan to facile win

Powered by an unbeaten 100 from Urooj Mumtaz, Pakistan trounced Hong Kong by 172 runs in the second ODI to win the three-match series. The series victory takes Pakistan through to the Women's World Cup qualifying tournament in Ireland in 2007.

Winning the toss for the second time Mumtaz had no hesitation in batting in bright sunny conditions on a decent batting surface. Hong Kong, needing to win the match to square the series, started promisingly with the ball. But, apart from Betty Chan who bowled her ten overs for just 41 runs, as with the first match, no other bowler really managed to maintain sufficient control. They were profligate, conceding 72 extras including 68 wides.

The only Pakistan wicket fell to Neisha Pratt, that of Taskeen Qadeer for 44. Mumtaz played a captain's knock and reached her century off the last ball of the innings. She was ably supported by Sajida Shah who made 72 not out after having posted a half century in the first match.

In reply Hong Kong could only muster one decent partnership - Neisha Pratt (52) added 63 runs with Natasha Miles (32) - and were shot out for 116. Mumtaz was named player of the match.

"There was definite improvement in several areas of our game today following the first match," said Neisha Pratt, the Hong Kong captain. "If we can get a grip of the number of extras we're conceding then I'm very hopeful of us being competitive in the final match.

"It's obviously disappointing for us to lose the series and being unable now to qualify for the World Cup. But Pakistan have proved decent opposition so far for us in our first international series and have deserved their victories. We will however be working really hard now with our players to try and eliminate some weaknesses and build on the many positives we have as a team to try and beat Pakistan in the final match."

The final match of the series will be at the Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore on September 21. A crowd of up to 10,000 spectators is anticipated.